The Bench Scholarship: Executive Programme for Hospitality Leaders

The Bench is delighted to offer a scholarship to join the King's Business School and Energy and Environment Alliance (EEA) Executive ESG Programme for Hospitality Leaders.

Futureproofing investments now need evolved business strategies, new targets and KPIs, including sustainability and climate related risks and prospects; timely and effective responses to corporate RFPs demanding sustainability data and assurances; and the changing attitudes of employees and customers. Beyond compliance, executives need to consider new due diligence requirements and evolving terms of finance. In the face of all this, the industry's senior executives to be properly equipped to avoid the pitfalls and to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

Drawing on the Energy and Environment Alliance's deep and detailed understanding of the sector and King's Business School's track record in finance, economics, sustainability, and high-quality education, this course equips you to lead the way in sustainability, with critical insights on ESG, compliance, green finance, and more.

Designed for extremely busy working professionals, the course is delivered through live online webinars every two weeks, accompanied by online learning that participants can work through at their own pace. Online sessions are highly interactive, led by leading professors at King's Business School with contributions from high profile experts. Networking across the industry is supported by discussion forums and a final in-person session at King's central London executive education site. Alumni gatherings include the EEA Symposium taking place on 25th February 2025.

Applying for the Scholarship

The Bench Scholarship covers 50% of the University course fees (that is £4,220 of the total course fees of £8,440). The next cohort starts at end of January 2025. So, don't miss the opportunity! To apply, please email azizi@eea.international with a copy of your CV or a link to your profile on LinkedIn, plus an explanation in no more than 400 words why the scholarship should be awarded to you. Applications must be submitted by 10 December 2024.

Course Outline

Designed with input from over 200 industry leaders and subject-matter experts from across the world, the programme covers the topics most pertinent to senior executives grappling with sustainability challenges, including:

ESG 2.0

An overview of the science and what is meant by ESG. How ESG has evolved and is evolving to shape legislation, and what this means for hospitality businesses. Explore both industry and personal barriers to change in this area and how to develop oneself and others to succeed.

The Spirit of Regulation and The Role of Law

Understand the forthcoming wave of regulation and the reporting requirements. Explore the role of law and look into the future of policy and expected developments.

Green Finance

A substantial module looking at physical and transition risk, green finance and “greeniums”. Learn about new concepts of value and learn how to avoid stranded assets. Understand best practice and, crucially, avoid the potential pitfalls lurking in non-financial accounting, integrated reporting and data management.

Marketing Sustainability

Explore corporate and consumer views of sustainability and identify crucial differences between the luxury and budget segments. Interrogate new models of consumption relevant to hospitality and delve into the warnings around greenwashing. Explore sophisticated methods of communication and see what's necessary to drive behavioural change in employees, consumers and other stakeholders.

Leading Sustainable Transformation

Deploy theories of change and cross-functional decision making to roadmap specific activities that can inspire an organisation to make a sustainable transition.

Individual Project

As part of the course, participants will work on their own change initiative, using tools, support and insights gathered from the programme. This exercise will provide them with a tangible takeaway to implement in their own organisation and a process for making plans in future.

More information

Further information is available here.